We're two 30 something ladies who are going to Paris in May. We have seven days. Is seven days too long in Paris? We'd love to squeeze another destination in, but don't want to spend the entire time traveling. Paris is non-negotiable.

We love to eat, shop and see historical sights. We don't expect to relax. We want a lot of things do to. Considered south of France and Italian riviera, but those seem more like destinations for couples. Is Rome reasonable? Other ideas?

Thanks!

Seven days is not too long for Paris. I wouldn't add another major city for exactly the reason you mention--travel time.

With your likes, you can easily fill your days. If you want to experience something other than city life, take a day trip to Giverney which should be beautiful in May as would Versailles--both will be crowded. There's also Chartres, Reims, Rouen, etc. all day trips.

If you add a city, I recommend you fly open jaw, into Paris out of Rome, for example, to save time having to backtrack. But, sounds like you may already have your flights.

I will eat a page of my Zagat's Paris restaurant guide if you don't enjoy seven days in Paris.

I don't think 7 days is too long in Paris! Are they 7 full days or are you flying from the states on day 1 and flying back out on day 7? If so, you have closer to 5 days, taking into consideration time spent to and from the airport, jet lag, fatigue, etc.

If you are really concerned that you will get bored or run out of things to do but don't want to lose too much time in traveling you could take a day trip to Versailles, Giverny, or even London.

How about a French city that is only 2-3 hours away by train for a day or two, such as Dijon, Strasbourg (you'd experience a very different culture there), Annecy (beautiful town on a lake with views of the Alps), etc.

I think 7 days is perfect for Paris. Add a day-trip on the train somehwere if you aren't finding enough to keep you busy in Paris (although that's hard to imagine). I would definitely NOT add Rome. That would make it an entirely different trip, with barely 2-3 days in each city by the time you subtract arrivals, departures, hotel check ins & outs, train or plane ride between the two, etc. I you really want to add a second destination at least pick something closer.

For a first trip to Paris, with only 7 days, I would not add any other city. There is so much to see in Paris itself that even with 7 days you are just scratching the surface.

yes, i agree... stay in paris!
go to giverny and versailles, maybe even chartes.
you will never get bored or run out of things to do...

have fun!
dina

I will be the contrarian, as usual.
A week was too long for me in Paris.
I don't usually spend a week in any one place for a holiday, but decided to try it because so many people said it was a good idea and I got a great deal on a hotel.
Four or five days was enough for me.

We took two day trips within the week, but wished we had planned one or two nights in the chateau country instead. You might choose a second city rather than that, but I think two French locations would be great in a week.


We love to eat, shop and see historical sights. We don't expect to relax. We want a lot of things do to.

I will be returning to Paris for 2 weeks (my 11th trip) next month and elderly friends just finished their 30th trip! Seven days will just whet your appetite. First, buy a "Pariscope" at a news kiosk, which lists all that's going on the week you are there (concerts, movies, etc). The suggestion of a day trip is an excellent one---if you like Monet's work, be sure to go to the Orangerie -and- the Marmotan Museum, then another day take the train out to Giverney for a stroll through his home and gardens. Look for the stairs that go below the Parvis in front of Notre Dame for a look at the Roman and medieval ruins upon which the current Cite' was built. Book a concert at Ste. Chappelle, in the Palais de Justice, and marvel at the stained glass--wonderful at sunset. Don't miss a ride on the Seine River with Bateau Mouches or Vedettes de Paris. Take a cooking class at "L'Atelier des Chefs," their "le Cas" at lunchtime costs 17 euros, where you spend 30 minutes preparing a dish then join other "gourmands" in a bit of wine and chatter. If you can't get to the ballet at l'Opera Garnier, take time for a tour and view Chagall's magnificent ceiling. Buy some bread, cheese, apples and a bottle of wine and "picnic" in the Luxembourg Gardens, just to watch the passing parade. And do like the French do, slow down and simply enjoy the moment. Seven days will not be enough time........

7 days is NOT too long in Paris - esp if you do Versailles - or perhaps another day trip. I've been at last 9/10 times and always find new things to see and do. Assuming you want to explore some neighborhoods and spend some time relaxing with a glass of wine in a cafe watching the entire world go by once in a while.

I agree with most, 7 days is not enough. We've been 6 times and we still have so many things on our list.

If you must, go to Versailles--very easy to do. Otherwise stay in Paris, take your time & enjoy. Read all the trip reports and choose what interests you.

IMO,7 is not enough to TGV to the South(and it's not just for couples).

Just a suggestion: The right bank is more like N.Y., the left bank is more quaint neighborhoods. There are so many museums, parks,shops, and restaurants you will never get your fill.

Don't miss I'lle St. Louis, The Marais, and St. Germain. IMO, those are the
"gems" of Paris.

I've been spending 7-8 days there almost annually for over three decades now and I always find things to do. You should just stick to Paris and take time to absorb it and not just run around from site to site. Happy Travels!

Sounds like an overwhelming majority! Thanks for all the help! I'm sure I'll have many more questions.

Hi SG,

For a 1st timer, a week is perfect for Paris.

Should you get bored, you can take the train for a daytrip to
Versailles, Chartres, Auxerre, Nancy, Strasbourg, or Dijon.